An open letter to Japanese Canadians

We are aware of an initiative that is underway by the JCCA Human Rights committee in Vancouver to clear the air and bring closure for the victims of our father’s heinous sexual attacks while he was a priest of the Anglican Church. We express our solidarity with all those he harmed, the young men and boys, their families and our community and express our profound grief as members of his family. May the truth be told. May the truth be heard. And may the Love that is among us and in the universe bring healing to us.

Should any persons wish to be in touch about this matter they may email jkogawa@rogers.com

Reverend Gordon Goichi Nakayama

Above, you will read a statement by Joy Kogawa and her brother Timothy. This article is intended to provide background information about the involvement of the GVJCCA’s Human Rights committee. In 2006, Leslie Komori with Joy Kogawa’s agreement arranged a meeting with GVJCCA Human Rights Committee and some community members who were upset about Joy’s father, Reverend Gordon Goichi Nakayama, being an alleged pedophile. Some members asked her to go public. Joy agreed it was the right thing to do and wanted healing for her father’s victims.

At a meeting with Anglican Church on February 12th of this year, it was mutually agreed that the first order of business would be to establish a timeline of Rev. Nakayama’s postings. This was crucial in order to ascertain his activities in the years and areas to which he was posted. Once this timeline is established, it would enable us to find potential victims who may have lived in the region during that time period. We are hoping that we can have this information by the end of March of this year. Further action will be formulated upon completion of the timeline.

Concurrently, Joy’s brother Timothy also felt that it was time to come forward to acknowledge their father’s transgressions and apologize to the many victims affected. They will be issuing a joint statement in The Bulletin and The Nikkei Voice.

The GVJCCA Human Rights Committee, with Joy’s blessing and approval, will continue to seek resolution to this issue. Our objective is to seek truth and reconciliation for the many victims and relatives of those who have passed away. Our committee thanks Joy for her openness and courage. It is our hope that Joy, Timothy and their families be given respect and support as they go through this very emotional and difficult time. If any community members have questions, please contact Human Rights Committee: Tosh Kitagawa at: malaka2@telus.net or 604.943.3195.